India Continued Power Supply to Bangladesh Despite Political Turbulence

India continued uninterrupted electricity exports to Bangladesh despite political instability and diplomatic tensions following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 and the emergence of a new interim regime in Dhaka. The development highlighted the deep strategic and economic interdependence between the two neighbouring countries in the energy sector. According to data from India’s National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), India supplied nearly 47.7 million units of electricity to Bangladesh in a single day during September 2024, even as political relations between the two countries experienced strain.

Strong India–Bangladesh Energy Partnership

India and Bangladesh have spent several years building a strong cross-border energy partnership through:

Power grid interconnections

Electricity trade agreements

Fuel supply pipelines

Joint infrastructure projects

This cooperation has become a key pillar of bilateral relations. The energy relationship has now evolved beyond political leadership changes because it is supported by long-term commercial agreements, technical coordination mechanisms, and interconnected infrastructure systems. Experts noted that any disruption in electricity supply would have severely impacted Bangladesh’s industries, hospitals, urban power networks, and overall economy.

Why Power Supply Was Maintained

Despite diplomatic difficulties, India maintained electricity exports because:

Bangladesh has become heavily dependent on imported Indian power.

Cross-border electricity trade operates through long-term agreements.

Grid operations are managed through institutional coordination rather than political decisions alone.

Suspension of supply would have created major economic and humanitarian challenges in Bangladesh.

At the same time, Bangladesh was already facing:

Foreign exchange reserve pressures

Rising fuel import costs

Economic instability after political transition

Risk of urban load shedding and industrial slowdown

Continuous power supply from India helped Bangladesh avoid an additional energy crisis during a politically sensitive period.

Role of Adani Power and Godda Thermal Plant

A major share of electricity supplied to Bangladesh comes from Adani Power’s Godda Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand.

Key Facts about Godda Thermal Power Plant

Location: Godda district, Jharkhand

Capacity: 1,600 MW

Operated by: Adani Power

Primarily developed for electricity exports to Bangladesh

Functions under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):

Reports indicate that Indian electricity exports contributed nearly 15.6% of Bangladesh’s total power mix in 2025, showing India’s growing role as a regional energy supplier.

India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline

Apart from electricity, India also supplies diesel to Bangladesh through the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.

Important Features:

Connects India and Bangladesh for fuel transportation

Diesel supplied from Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Assam

Enhances regional energy connectivity

Reduces transportation costs and fuel shortages

Strategic Importance for India

India’s uninterrupted energy support to Bangladesh reflects:

India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy

Regional energy diplomacy

Strategic influence in South Asia

Economic integration under the Act East Policy

Cross-border electricity trade also strengthens India’s position as an emerging energy hub in the Bay of Bengal region and supports regional groupings such as BIMSTEC.

Additional Key Facts :

National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC):

Apex body for integrated operation of India’s power system

Operates under Grid Controller of India Limited (formerly POSOCO)

Responsible for national electricity grid management

Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET)

India exports electricity to:

Bangladesh

Nepal

Bhutan

Myanmar

BIMSTEC:

Full Form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

Member Countries:

Bangladesh

Bhutan

India

Myanmar

Nepal

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Act East Policy:

The policy aims to:

Strengthen connectivity with Southeast Asia

Promote trade and strategic cooperation

Develop Northeast India

Enhance regional integration